Three Avocados Helps to Provide Clean Water in Uganda

Three Avocados is a non-profit coffee company with the aim of providing clean water in Uganda. Founded in February 2010, one hundred percent of their net proceeds goes to this cause. Why "Three Avocados?" The non-profit’s story began in Bulopa, Uganda where a widow gave all she had -- three avocados -- so that others could eat. This act of kindness inspired the name of the non-profit and the story continues to be an inspiration.

Three Avocados sells bags of 100 percent Arabica Uganda Bugisu coffee, as well as offers auto-shipped coffee subscriptions which allows customers to never go without their daily brew. T-shirts, stickers and sample sizes of coffee -- all with the Three Avocados logo -- are also available on their website.

In a way, the choice of water as a cause for a non-profit seems simple. Over one billion people don’t have access to potable water, which means they are susceptible to diseases, parasites and bacteria. Children are especially vulnerable to death from diarrhea and dehydration. Many of these deaths can be prevented. Furthermore, in Uganda, women and children often walk four miles or more in order to reach the closest water source (which is not always safe for drinking). Thus, many girls miss school due to the long journey. For these reasons and more, Three Avocados' choice to provide water is indispensable and leads to other benefits like more time for children's education, which in itself has endless positive consequences.

Currently, one of Three Avocados projects is a collaboration with the International Lifeline Fund, which helps to fix broken wells in Northern Uganda. Each well serves about 250 people in the community and a typical rehabilitation of the well costs anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000. Additionally, Three Avocados is assessing other ways to provide clean water like rainwater collection and bio-sand filters.

According to the Three Avocados website, the exact amount of money that goes to providing clean water in Africa can be between $0.50 and $3.00 per bag of coffee, depending on the retail channel. For all those interested in creating the most social good out of their coffee: buying coffee online through the Three Avocados website ensures the most support for clean water. Three Avocados coffee is also available at a few retail locations in Missouri.

Three Avocados is able to be one socially-responsible link on the global commodity chain and make a significant impact in Uganda, proving that positive change all starts somewhere, and sometimes with an inspirational "Three Avocados" story.